A GREAT GAME-FISH. 55 
It is as a game-fish, however, that this fine fish principally 
merits our attention, and it is confidently asserted by many 
experienced anglers that it is the finest sporting fish in our 
rivers, indigenous or introduced. It is strong, active, and a 
great fighter. 
The Freshwater Perch attains a weight of at least 5 
pounds. 
Golden Perch or Yellow-belly (Plectroplites ambiguus). 
Pirate XXIII. 
Second only in importance to the Murray Cod, this 
fine Perch, which is so well and favorably known as a food- 
fish, is found occurring in great abundance in the western 
river system of New South Wales, where it affects principally 
the still waters of billabongs and lagoons. 
It is a large fish, attaining a weight of 8 pounds or more, 
and a length of about 2 feet. The head is small; the upper 
profile rising rapidly to the particularly gibbous back. The 
tail is fairly large, the fin being rounded, and the scales are 
of moderate size. 
Though taken by hook and line, the usua! method of 
capture is by means of a short meshing-net or gill-net. 
Macquarie’s Perch (Macquaria australasica). 
This, though a valuable fresh-water fish, is not to be 
compared with the Golden Perch as regards importance. 
Attaining a length of from 12 to 15 inches, it is found in 
abundance in the higher waters of our western rivers, as well 
as some of the eastern ones. It often goes under the name 
of Mountain Perch, as well as being miscalled “ Bream ”’ and 
“ Black Brean:.”’ 
As an edible fish, Macquarie’s Perch is to be commended, 
the flesh being decidedly toothsome. 
In distinguishing this species from our other fluviatile 
perches, it will be noticed that it possesses a very “snub ’’ 
nose, while the scales are relatively somewhat larger. 
Cc 
